Planning to Bridge the Retirement Savings Gap

The prospect of retirement is a time that many look forward to, envisioning a period of relaxation and enjoyment after years of hard work. However, a recent report from the Congressional Research Service has shed light on a concerning reality: a significant majority of individuals are not saving enough for their retirement.

In fact, according to the report, a mere 8.5% of those contributing to a retirement account managed to reach the maximum allowable limit, indicating a widespread struggle to prepare adequately for the future.

IRS Announces New Contribution Limits

Recognizing the urgency of addressing the retirement savings gap, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently announced changes to contribution limits, set to take effect in 2024. The most notable adjustment is the increase in the maximum allowable contribution to 401(k) accounts, with workers now permitted to contribute up to $23,000 annually – a $500 increase from the previous year. This adjustment also extends to other retirement savings vehicles, including the 403(b) plan, most 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan.

While these adjustments aim to empower individuals to save more for their retirement, it's essential to acknowledge that simply increasing contribution limits may not be a panacea.

 

The root of the issue lies in the widespread failure to maximize existing limits, as evidenced by the low percentage of individuals reaching the previous thresholds.

Catch-Up Contributions

In an effort to address the unique challenges faced by older workers, the IRS has maintained catch-up contribution limits for savers aged 50 and older at $7,500. This provision recognizes the financial hurdles that individuals encounter as they approach retirement age, allowing them to bolster their savings in the later stages of their careers.

Expanding Opportunities with IRAs

The changes introduced by the IRS are not limited to workplace-sponsored retirement plans. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are also seeing increased contribution limits, with the cap raised to $7,000 for 2024, up from $6,500 in 2023. While this expansion provides more opportunities for individuals to save independently, it's crucial to note that the catch-up contribution limit for IRAs remains at $1,000.

The catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and above participating in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan has been raised to $7,500, up from $6,500. Consequently, individuals aged 50 and older contributing to 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan can now contribute up to $30,000, effective from 2023. Additionally, the catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and above participating in SIMPLE plans has been increased to $3,500, up from $3,000.

Moreover, the income ranges determining eligibility for deductible contributions to traditional Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), contributions to Roth IRAs, and eligibility for claiming the Saver's Credit have all seen an increase for the year 2023.

Straight from the IRS

Taxpayers can deduct contributions to a traditional IRA if they meet certain conditions. If during the year either the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse was covered by a retirement plan at work, the deduction may be reduced, or phased out, until it is eliminated, depending on filing status and income. (If neither the taxpayer nor the spouse is covered by a retirement plan at work, the phase-outs of the deduction do not apply.) Here are the phase‑out ranges for 2023:

• For single taxpayers covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is increased to between $73,000 and $83,000, up from between $68,000 and $78,000.
• For married couples filing jointly, if the spouse making the IRA contribution is covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is increased to between $116,000 and $136,000, up from between $109,000 and $129,000.
• For an IRA contributor who is not covered by a workplace retirement plan and is married to someone who is covered, the phase-out range is increased to between $218,000 and $228,000, up from between $204,000 and $214,000.
• For a married individual filing a separate return who is covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains between $0 and $10,000.

 

The income phase-out range for taxpayers making contributions to a Roth IRA is increased to between $138,000 and $153,000 for singles and heads of household, up from between $129,000 and $144,000. For married couples filing jointly, the income phase-out range is increased to between $218,000 and $228,000, up from between $204,000 and $214,000. The phase-out range for a married individual filing a separate return who makes contributions to a Roth IRA is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains between $0 and $10,000.

The income limit for the Saver's Credit (also known as the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit) for low- and moderate-income workers is $73,000 for married couples filing jointly, up from $68,000; $54,750 for heads of household, up from $51,000; and $36,500 for singles and married individuals filing separately, up from $34,000.

The amount individuals can contribute to their SIMPLE retirement accounts is increased to $15,500, up from $14,000.

You and Your Financial Professional

As the IRS takes steps to encourage increased retirement savings through adjusted contribution limits, the onus remains on individuals to proactively plan for their financial future. The retirement savings gap is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach, combining policy changes with enhanced financial education and individual responsibility.

By leveraging the expanded opportunities provided by the IRS, individuals can take a more active role in securing a confident retirement, bridging the gap between the current state of savings and the financial independence needed for the golden years.

 

Important Disclosures

This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, or investment advice. If you are seeking investment advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.

Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax deductible in the contribution year, with current income tax due at withdrawal.  Withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax in addition to current income tax.

The Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Withdrawals from the account may be tax free, as long as they are considered qualified. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Future tax laws can change at any time and may impact the benefits of Roth IRAs. Their tax treatment may change.

All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.

This article was prepared by FMeX.

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